The Motley Fool·2025-06-17 00:14Core Viewpoint - Tesla is set to launch its first batch of robotaxis in Austin, Texas, which is anticipated to be a significant event for the market as it explores new revenue streams beyond electric vehicles [1][8]. Group 1: Robotaxi Business Model - Elon Musk envisions a business model for robotaxis that combines elements of Uber and Airbnb, potentially creating a large ride-hailing fleet of driverless vehicles [2][3]. - Tesla owners may have the opportunity to rent their vehicles to the robotaxi fleet, with estimates suggesting they could earn up to $40,000 annually by charging $1 per mile for 25 trips a day, each averaging six miles [5][6]. Group 2: Launch Details and Expectations - The initial rollout is planned for June 22, with 10-20 robotaxis expected to be deployed, initially geofenced to specific areas in Austin and possibly monitored by humans [8][9]. - Musk has indicated that there could be hundreds of thousands of robotaxis operational by late next year, although the initial launch may be basic and safety concerns have delayed the timeline [7][9]. Group 3: Market Valuation and Investor Sentiment - Tesla's current valuation reflects high expectations for the success of robotaxis and other innovations, trading at 172 times forward earnings, which is unprecedented for a company with a $1 trillion market cap [10][11]. - Comparisons have been made to other tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, suggesting that Tesla's valuation may be overly ambitious given the scale and cash flow capabilities of these companies [11].